What To Look For
Keeping a variety of combs on hand allows for multiple styling options and prevents breakage. Everyone needs at least one sturdy, wide-tooth comb with rounded teeth for combing wet hair. Wet hair is extremely fragile, and a wide-tooth comb prevents snaring or pulling hair strands. Wide-tooth combs also work well for people with long, curly or thin hair types.
A tail comb is useful for parting and styling hair due to its pointed tail. Combine these two combs with a normal comb featuring both a wide-tooth and fine-tooth end, and you'll have a basic set for all occasions. Professional comb sets are available for those who frequently try different hairstyles.
The material the comb is made from plays a role in its durability and use. Wooden combs reduce static electricity, are durable and typically do not cause hair breakage. Metal combs are among the strongest and work well when styling or parting hair. Plastic combs are cheapest, but may break more easily. When choosing a plastic comb, make sure it is thick and doesn't bend during use.
Common Pitfalls
Purchasing a fine-tooth comb instead of a wide-tooth for wet hair can lead to breakage. This damage is especially noticeable on people with thin hair, which tends to be weaker and shows hair loss more quickly than thicker hair types.
Where To Buy
Supermarkets and department stores such as Walmart and Target, or JCPenney and Sears, offer combs in their hair care and beauty sections. Choices range from basic combs to more specific combs, such as the tail comb. Beauty supply stores offer the largest variety of specialty combs online and in-store. They are more likely to have a specific comb, and combs are often made from more durable materials. Drugstores carry basic combs, while online retailers like Amazon.com offer a large selection from multiple sellers.
Cost
Single combs cost as little as $2 to $5 while a five-piece set of professional combs costs $25 to $30 on average, as of August 2010. Combs from a hair salon or a specific brand cost slightly more than their generic counterparts.
Insider Tips
Clean your combs after each use, or at least once a week. This prevents build-up of dead hair and skin cells. A comb with a fine-tooth end can save you money by doubling as an eyebrow brush.
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